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Abstract

Grant Number:	5R15AT002626-02
Project Title:	Ginseng as an anti-bacterial agent against P. aeruginosa

PI Information:	Name	Email	Title
	MATHEE, KALAI	kalai.mathee@fiu.edu

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The main intention of this grant is to increase our understanding of the effect of ginseng as an anti-bacterial agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis in chronic lung infection the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Although antibiotic therapy, mostly with a mixture of aminoglycoside and Beta-lactam antibiotics, is used to combat the infection, treatment often fails, owing to the emergence of alginate-producing P. aeruginosa isolates. The genetic and molecular mechanism of alginate overproduction has been elucidated in great detail. Yet, a possible therapeutic intervention has been elusive. Recent studies using animal models (described in detail later) have shown that ginseng might play a role in enhancing immune response and bacterial clearance. This research proposes to use genetic and molecular biological techniques to systematically analyze the effect of ginseng against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically this research will investigate the following: I. Analysis of the ginseng extracts. II. Determine whether ginseng modulates (down- or up-regulates) the alginate genes in vitro. III. Identify novel genes that are modulated by ginseng. Understanding the mechanism of ginseng action would be a key factor if we want to promote this alternative or supplementary therapy. This is vital to devising efficient antipseudomonal therapy and eradicating complications resulting from P. aeruginosa infections among patients with CF.

Public Health Relevance:
This Public Health Relevance is not available.

Thesaurus Terms:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, angiosperm, antibacterial agent, cystic fibrosis, drug design /synthesis /production, medicinal plant, microorganism disease chemotherapy, respiratory infection
alginate, bacterial genetics, plant extract
alternative medicine

Institution:	FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
	Office of Sponsored Research Administration
	MIAMI, FL 33199
Fiscal Year:	2006
Department:	BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Project Start:	01-FEB-2005
Project End:	31-JAN-2008
ICD:	NATIONAL CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
IRG:	ZAT1

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